Tryptophan Metabolism in Healthy Young Adults

Launched by THE HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN · Aug 9, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on studying how the body breaks down tryptophan, an important amino acid that helps produce serotonin, which is crucial for brain health. The researchers aim to develop a method to measure harmful compounds that can form when tryptophan is stressed, particularly in premature babies who receive nutrition through a special intravenous method called total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Understanding this process in healthy adults will help ensure safer nutrition for premature infants in the future.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between 18 and 45 years old and in good overall health, meaning they don’t have chronic illnesses or take certain medications that could affect how their bodies process proteins. Participants can expect to have their blood drawn and will need to follow a specific diet during the study. The trial is not yet recruiting, so if you're interested, it’s a good idea to stay informed about when it will begin. This study is essential for improving health outcomes for vulnerable premature babies.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Consent provided
• • 2. Aged 18 to 45 years old (inclusive)
• • 3. In good general health as evidenced by medical history, physical health and biochemistry
• • 4. Fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), urea, creatinine and CRP levels within normal ranges for age.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Presence of chronic disease and/or acute illness known to affect protein/amino acid metabolism (e.g. HIV, diabetes, cancer, liver or kidney disease, neurological conditions including depression and anxiety, hypo- / hyperthyroidism, inflammatory conditions,, anemia, acute cold or flu)
• • 2. Taking medications known to affect protein/AA metabolism (e.g. steroids, anti-inflammatory medications, acetaminophen, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI))
• • 3. Inability to tolerate the diet (i.e. allergy)
• • 4. Significant weight loss during the past month or consumption of weight reducing diets.
• • 5. Significant caffeine consumption (\>2 cups per day)
• • 6. Significant consumption of alcohol (\>1 drink per day i.e. 1 beer or ½ glass of wine).
• • 7. Unwilling to have blood drawn from a venous access or using a ventilated hood indirect calorimeter for the purposes of the study.